Critics of snowmaking at Arizona resort face charges

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- A couple who attended a protest against snowmaking has
been banned from an Arizona ski resort for now.

A bench trial for Dawn Dyer and James Anders is expected to be set following a
Dec. 27 status conference in federal court in Flagstaff.

The two deny breaking any laws when they showed up for a protest in September
at the Coconino National Forest Service office.

The two were with Klee Benally when he delivered letters asking to halt
snowmaking at the Arizona Snowbowl. Authorities say the three, along with Evan
Hawbaker, interfered with the work of Forest Service employees by refusing to
leave the office lobby. Each faces misdemeanor charges.

Benally successfully argued in court Tuesday that banning him from the ski
resort on a mountain he considers sacred would violate his religious rights as a
Navajo.